TV and entertainment veteran Sir Bruce Forsyth has died at the age of 89.

The game show host, famous for his "nice to see you, to see you nice" catchphrase, held the record for having the longest television career for a male entertainer.

A statement by his manager read: "It is with great sadness that the Forsyth family announce that Sir Bruce passed away this afternoon, peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his children.

"A couple of weeks ago, a friend visited him and asked him what he had been doing these last eighteen months. "With a twinkle in his eye, he responded "I've been very, very busy... being ill!"

Sir Bruce Forsyth will host Bruce's Hall of Fame.

"Unfortunately, not long after this, his health deteriorated and he contracted bronchial pneumonia.

"The family would like to express their thanks to the many people who have sent cards and letters to Bruce wishing him well over his long illness and know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel.

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"There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be much appreciated if the privacy of Sir Bruce's family is respected at this most difficult time."

Astrologer and entertainer Russell Grant, who lives in Maentwrog near Blaenau Ffestiniog and competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2009, said Mr Forsyth was "selfless and kind".

He said: "I’ve known Bruce for many years. It's so sad.

“I’ve never known anyone to have a cross word to say about him.

"I remember after we finished the series of Strictly, he went to the effort of phoning my father to tell him how much he’d enjoyed working with me.

“To think that a man of his stature and busy schedule would take the time out to call my father at 11:30 at night to tell him something like that.

“We’ve lost a true great in British entertainment. They don’t make them like that any more.

“He was a one-off, a true showbiz legend.

“To think that his career started all the way back in 1939, when television was still in its infancy. It goes to show just how much of an influence he's had.

“We’ve lost one of a kind.”

Sir Bruce endeared himself to a new generation of fans in 2004 when he co-presented Strictly Come Dancing, which fought an ongoing ratings battle with ITV's The X Factor.

Sir Bruce was able to "keep dancing" until 2014, when he formally stepped down from hosting the live show due to the long studio hours.